According to UNESCO, a Living Human Treasure is a person who holds a high level of knowledge and abilities required for performing or re-creating specific parts of intangible cultural heritage. It is a term that is frequently used to describe people who have remarkable knowledge, talents, or craftsmanship that are valued in a given culture or civilization. This title, or a variant of it, is bestowed by the government of a country on a person who is considered as a national treasure while still alive. The title is frequently referred to as a Living National Treasure. These people are known for their mastery of traditional trades, arts, or practices that have been passed down through centuries.
The title “Living Human Treasure” is an official distinction in several civilizations, representing the highest level of competence in a specific art form or ability. These individuals are regarded as cultural heritage protectors, and they are frequently supported and acknowledged by their communities and governments.
History
The Japanese government began designating persons or groups who reflected intangible national cultural qualities as living human treasures in 1950. This was in addition to structures or sites of outstanding cultural and historical significance that had been declared as national treasures. As a result, Living Human Treasures are now eligible for special protection and government assistance. Pottery, music, handmade paper, dolls, and swordmaking were among the first old protected crafts, but they have now been expanded to include song, dance, gastronomy, and other categories.
The designation is intended to preserve and promote traditional knowledge and practices, ensuring that they are not lost as a result of modernization and globalization. Initiatives such as apprenticeship programs, cultural festivals, and documentation projects targeted at conserving and promoting living human treasures are frequently used to recognize and promote living human treasures.
Several countries, including France, the Philippines, Romania, South Korea, and Thailand, have followed suit with their own formal programs of acknowledgment for intangible cultural values and the people who exemplify them.
South Korea’s government suggested to the UNESCO Executive Board in 1993 the formation of a defined “Living Human Treasures” program for all member countries. The board passed a resolution in which it asked member countries to build and promote such national systems. UNESCO provided criteria and rules for promoting such living human treasure programs through its Intangible Cultural Heritage section.
Overall, the concept of “Living Human Treasure” emphasizes the significance of cultural heritage preservation and the necessity to maintain ancient knowledge and customs for future generations.
